Weekend (Escape) in Goulburn

The grand inland city of Goulburn was once a mere stopover for many road trippers, but is now a destination in itself, layering contemporary food and wine experiences upon a rich and colourful rural heritage.

An effortless two-hour drive from Sydney will find you in the heart of Goulburn, surrounded by ornate heritage architecture dating back as far as 1830. Blend the past seamlessly with the present and you have a charming modern city with a wise, country soul. You may be surprised to find what Goulburn has to offer as one of NSW‘s major rural centres and emerging weekender destinations.

SATURDAY

Rise and Shine

If you’re not eating at your accommodation, The Roses Cafe right on leafy Belmore Park is a popular choice. The family-run, cosmopolitan deli-style cafe is a classy dollop of up-to-date service and delicious food with a nod to tradition. There are great vegetarian options, too, such as the sensational granola with seasonal fruits or smashed avo’ with Danish feta and lemon on sourdough.

Shoppers’ delight

Shopping Goulburn Somethign Special — Browsing the boutique wares at Something Special in Goulburn.

Saturday morning is the perfect time to stroll the busy streets and pick up a local bargain from one of the vintage or specialty boutiques, all within an easy walk. Stores such as Your Home Matters and Something Special carry a wide range of gift items and specialty homewares that will remind you of this charismatic region, while Baxter Boots & Shoes has a wide range of footwear to suit the whole family. Yes, all located right along bustling Auburn Street, the beating heart of Goulburn.

Kids will love the Goulburn Adventure Playground.

Any youngsters can work up an appetite at the Adventure Playground in Victoria Park. Swing, climb and crawl your way around the course. You can bet there weren’t playgrounds like this when you were growing up!

To market, to market

The leafy Belmore Park, Goulburn in the heart of the historic city.

A perfect venue for local artisans and producers, Goulburn hosts a variety of markets, one being the Rotary Parkside Markets held on the second Saturday of the month in Montague Street between the heritage-listed Goulburn Court House and Belmore Park, right in the centre of town. You’ll find stalls offering quality local arts, handicrafts, fresh produce, plants and flowers.

Public Art, Goulburn — The walk between the Visitor Centre and the Regional Art Gallery is dotted with works of public art.

Indulge your senses

Choose from any of the character-laden pubs along, or just off of Auburn Street for a hearty lunch. The Southern Railway Hotel serves Aussie pub food in one of Goulburn’s oldest pubs. If a late lunch is more your style, the Goulburn Soldiers Club offers a number of dining options.

Experience the past

Discover fascinating stories of Goulburn’s eclectic history with a Self-guided Heritage Tour (maps are available at the Visitor Information Centre ) and see such buildings as the heritage-listed Court House designed by the famous colonial architect James Barnet. Completed in 1887, this spectacular edifice took more than two years to build and cost the equivalent $3.5 million today.

Goulburn Court House — The heritage-listed Court House designed by the famous colonial architect James Barnet.

The Old Police Station, now an amazing second-hand book store, stands next door, while historic pubs and dainty heritage homes in the regional city date back almost 200 years.

Post Office Goulburn — The opening of the Goulburn Post Office in 1881 was such a cause for celebration it was declared a public holiday with parades of schoolchildren, mounted police and other dignitaries.

Whilst enjoying the fresh air and leafy surrounds, the beauty of Goulburn’s enviable rural location delivers in abundance – and there are plenty of ways to breathe it in. Cycle any of the dedicated pathways or power-walk some or all of the four-kilometre-long Wollondilly River Walkway .

Dinner Delights

You’ll be ready for dinner after such an odyssey, so why not spoil yourself at one of Goulburn’s premium eateries. The Tattersall’s Hotel offer a great alternate to pub dining: try the local, free-range chicken menu with Franks’ Hot Sauce. Stay and kick on with cocktails and live music.

Rest your head

Choose to retire for the night in one of Goulburn’s varied accommodation options: from boutique to B&Bs or branded. The Best Western Plus serviced apartments and superior rooms are just 600 metres from the CBD. If you want something closer to the night life, the new Abbey Motel will change your mind about old-fashioned ‘motels’. The charming motel was recently built on the grounds of the century-old former St Patrick’s Technical College.

Abbey Motel Goulburn — The new Abbey Motel will change your mind about old-fashioned ‘motels’.

SUNDAY

Sun Up

Sunday is a day for exploring by car. Grab an early breakfast at The Park Cafe [and make a visit to the poignant Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum for best views of the city. Recently awarded the Tripadvisor 2020 Travellers’ Choice Award, which ranks it in the top 10 per cent of tourist attractions worldwide, the military museum is a must.

If you haven’t worn out your walking shoes, why not add the Public Art Walk to your program and examine the 40 or so items of accessible art on the streets of Goulburn. The public art program bounds way outside of the safety of the gallery and brings contemporary art into the everyday experience of moving around Goulburn. Note that the gallery itself is closed on Sundays.

Russel Lane, Goulburn — Add the Public Art Walk to your program and examine the 40 or so items of accessible art on the streets of Goulburn.

Cafe culture

Find yourself in one of Goulburn’s bourgeoning foodie scene eateries. Here you can enjoy high quality, fresh, regionally grown produce or varied exotic cuisines, paired with a range of local cool climate wines.

Grit Cafe, Goulburn — Sample the region in one of its many eateries.

Grape Escape

Take a road less travelled and venture south to Yarralaw Springs Wines . This unique straw-bale winery crafts award-winning wines from six classic varieties. To the east is Bungonia Creek Wines set overlooking the beautiful Bungonia Gorge: sample the wines and experience the no-dig permaculture gardens.,

Full Steam Ahead

Paddle Boarding Goulburn — Paddle boarding on Wollondilly River in front of the Goulburn Historic Waterworks.

The days of steam locomotives may be over, but the glory of the mighty mechanisms are alive and well in Goulburn. The Victorian ‘Age of Steam’ was a defining era of history and you’ll see the past come to life on ‘Steaming Days’ at the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum located on the picturesque banks of the Wollondilly River. Just out of town and accessible on foot as part of the Wollondilly River Walkway . A perfect spot for a picnic basket lunch.

Fishing Weir Gourlburn — Fishing from the weir in front of Goulburn’s Historic Waterworks on the Wollondilly River.

All the world’s a stage

Established in 1891, Goulburn’s Lieder Theatre Company is the longest-running theatre company in Australia. See a live performance in the historic theatre as a fitting finale to your glittering weekend in Goulburn.

Make Goulburn your next road trip or train weekend destination and let yourself be surprised. However, you may need more than one weekend.

For more information on things to do and see in Goulburn, visit www.goulburnaustralia.com.au/

Farmstay Goulburn — A farmstay in Goulburn, less than two hours from Sydney,

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Weekend Escape in Goulburn